What is so hard about carrying out the "Great Commission" given by Jesus to His followers (this includes us)? Why do we find it easy to follow His commands in some areas of the Christian life and not in others? Isn't it because most of the instructions given to Christians on how to live are dealing with things that we control (ie. lying, stealing, filthy language) and the "Great Commission," deals with teaching and converting other human beings who have minds of their own?
It might help us to remember that Jesus and His disciples had the same challenge. Jesus didn't convert everyone he talked to and taught. Jesus' disciples didn't convert everyone with whom they talked. On the day of Pentecost, great multitudes were present to hear the inspired apostle Peter and others teach. For the first time, the gospel (the great news of salvation) was preached. The purpose of the preaching was to bring men and women to Christ. Though the apostles miraculously preached the gospel in the native tongue of those who heard (ACTS 2:5-16), languages they had never spoke or learned, only three thousand believed and obeyed the gospel. Why was this? Why didn't more of these religious people obey? Because they had a mind of their own and made the decision to reject the message which acknowledged that Jesus, whom the Jews were guilty of having crucified, was in fact, the Savior. The message of the gospel had to be accepted by faith and those who rejected it didn't have faith.
God does not hold us responsible because people refuse to obey the gospel. He holds us responsible for preaching, teaching, and sending those who preach and teach the gospel, so that people can have the privilege of obeying or disobeying.
(Please read the following Scriptures ROM 10:13-21; EZEK. 2:3-8; 3:8-11 - these verses are IMPORTANT!!!).
In these Scriptures God explains the responsibility of His people in teaching His Word and the responsibility of sinners hearing and obeying, in both the Old and New Testaments. From the above Scriptures, it is obvious that God wants His Word, which instructs people about salvation, to be taught and preached. He also makes it plain that whether the people hear and obey or hear and refuse it, it still must be preached! His people are held responsible for getting the message out!
In love, Randy